Archer & Armstrong: Enemies of the State!
In the Soviet-controlled world of the Stalinverse, there is a place where liberty is sentenced to die...and it's Gulag 396. A maximum-security prison where the only escape is through death, the gulag is the final stop for all enemies and detractors of the world's oppressive authority. But when public enemy Obadiah Archer is admitted as the latest inmate, could his gospel of goodwill and optimism be the spark that ignites a new faith in the prison's population...including the immortal undesirable known as Aram Addi-Padda?
Rahals story is paced wonderfully, and the artwork is simply breathtaking. This book is such a great companion to the Stalinverse, but also stands alone as a fantastic ode to Archer & Armstrong. Make sure to pick up this issue and get ready as there is only one more chapter left in Divinity III event. Read Full Review
In closing, Gulag 396is the Archer and Armstrong story I've always wanted to read. And is by far my favorite single issue to date. I only hope Valiant lets Eliot and friends write more tales of Archer and Armstrong. Read Full Review
It's weird that this doppelgänger story might be one of the better portrayals I've read of Archer thus far in the current Valiant universe. The story was simple and very enjoyable. It was just a well told alternate reality tale that strikes the right cord with this reader. A fun read, and added more to the Divinity storyline. Read Full Review
As a tie-in comic this is pretty good, but when you read this as an Archer and Armstrong comic then itwill reinforce everything you thought you knew about the characters in a story that'll make you want to read it several times over.Rahal‘s understanding of the two unlikely heroes is awesome, and really comes across in the story – if he were given a shot at an ongoing series featuring Archer and Armstrong then I'd be all over that like sprinkles on a donut. Read Full Review
As I have stated before, Divinity IIIis a great series for Valiant. The rich alternate universe has a wealth of potential that the writers and artists are fully taking advantage. In an industry where tie-ins can often feel lackluster and pointless, Divinity III consistently defines itself as a cut above the rest. Read Full Review
In the end I recommend this for your pull list. You don't have to have read any Archer & Armstrong comics in the past, to enjoy this. Read Full Review
Even in a cartoon dystopia Archer and Armstrong stay true to themselves. Read Full Review
Divinity III: Escape From Gulag 396 #1 is an unexpected story of strength and freedom. Its a fine accompaniment to the Divinity III miniseries that fans of Obadiah Archer should not miss. Read Full Review
For a tie-in to a major comic event, Escape From Gulag 396 was better than I expected, it fleshes out the Divinity III: Stalinverse landscape, both past and present, and provides a compelling introduction for some of Valiant's biggest heroes. I wish Valiant had given the book more space to flesh out the two stories – Armstrong in particular needs additional characterization, but this book is definitely worthy of a purchase. Read Full Review
This comic is already on its way to becoming a very valuable one that can I can already see leading to some interesting ends. Motivational stories about faith and the likemay not be the kind of reading material for everyone, but Valiant has made sure that this one is,no matter their faith or background. Read Full Review
If Escape had been put out by a religious organization, it could be dismissed as some sort of religious propaganda, however well-meaning it was. Instead, it was Valiant, a secular company, that dared to step out on a limb and risk making a fool of itself for the sake of a powerful and delicate subject. It's fumbling, it's awkward, and ultimately I don't think they'll pursue the subject too much further. But for simply having the courage to try this story in a comic, I think Escape from the Gulag deserves an extra star. Read Full Review